Volunteers

Update 5/9/16: Thanks to all those who volunteered for High Desert Trails 2016! We will post an update in 2017 when Volunteer Registration opens.

Working a rally is a rewarding challenge that’s a lot of fun! You get to see the event up close and get to interact with the drivers and co-drivers. Plan to spend a day outside, and plan to drive your vehicle over smooth dirt roads. We like to provide our workers with goodies like T-Shirts and lunch. Your help is always appreciated by the competitors. There are two primary jobs at all rallies:

Controls & Timing – First time at an event? You should sign up for this.
Everyone starts here first! We’ll train you on what to do.
You will be assigned to a Stage Captain who will contact you directly.
You will be working with the time cards, starting rally cars, and timing finishes.
You will be outside in the weather so plan accordingly!
Bring sunscreen and extra clothing.

Communications – Do you have your Amateur Radio License?
You will be assigned to a Communications Captain who will contact you directly.
You will be communicating on the radio net, logging, and keeping track of cars.
You will be in or near your vehicle, and may be physically blocking access.
You will need a good 2m mobile radio with an external antenna.
A backup handheld is always a good idea. “Working Communications in a Nutshell”

Registration is now open! Please use the link below to sign up to volunteer on for HDT via the NASA Rally Sport database:

We will be providing waters and lunch for all registered volunteers. As an additional incentive for participating as a volunteer for this year’s rally, we are again offering you a discounted entry at the HDT Rallycross! For more information and to sign up for the rallycross, please visit the rallycross section of our website! (Please note that signing up as a volunteer, which you must do first, does not automatically enter you in the rallycross.)

Below are the jobs that we needed filled for HDT, with each job followed by the approximate number of volunteers we will need for that position. We have updated this list to include detailed descriptions and “at home training” for most of these jobs (in PDF format). Please take the time to read these documents if you have any questions about positions you may like to volunteer for (please note that any times listed in these example documents are approximate).

Registered Media (digital photographers) (plus spotters) (2-4)
(Anyone wishing to request credentials as Registered Media must register and contact the organizers in advance of the rally. Some of these volunteer positions will be assigned to a designated location for the duration of the event. Other properly credentialed and registered media would NOT be considered as volunteers at the event.)** Requires experience, special skills or special equipment